it reads that

USAGE SUMMARY

"it reads that" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a quote, like this: "The sign says 'no trespassing'; it reads that 'anyone who enters this property without permission will be prosecuted.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"Fighting Over Fidel" is translated from Spanish, and it reads that way.

The Washington Post

He boasted that he wrote it in less than a week, and it reads that way.

The New York Times

I think it reads that way: more like a series a vignettes than a carefully structured novel.

The New York Times

"Überpower" consists of chapters that originally appeared as essays in foreign-policy and public-affairs journals, and it reads that way.

The New York Times - Books

This sounds a little precious, and sometimes it reads that way, yet the result is a series of warm, engaging vignettes -- gentle speculations on the way the imagination works and memory distorts, and on the way we build and manipulate our personal mythologies.

The New York Times - Books

It reads that the city and its agencies "abused their powers and ran roughshod over their legal duties, including their duties to protect the public's right to vote and to comply with laws designed to protect the environment, prior to committing to sell public lands for a Ballpark Project".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

I am glad it read that way.

Huffington Post

It read "That's so......... and you choose gay?" Several options were listed around the phrase.

Huffington Post

It read "That's so... and you choose gay?" Several options were listed around the phrase.

Huffington Post

It now reads that way in the online version, as well.

The New York Times

Lastly, it keeps reads that would have pseudo-multiple hits when mapping to whole genome.

BMC Genomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it reads that", ensure the subject is a document, sign, or text that can literally 'read' or convey information. This phrase is most effective when directly quoting or summarizing a written source.

Common error

Avoid using "it reads that" when referring to non-textual subjects. For example, it's incorrect to say "the painting reads that...", as paintings visually depict rather than literally 'read' or state. Instead, use phrases like "the painting suggests" or "the painting depicts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it reads that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing the content or message conveyed by a written text. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it introducing quotes or summaries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it reads that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to introduce information taken from a written source, such as a document or sign, according to Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, science and wiki contexts, its register is generally neutral, rendering it suitable for diverse forms of communication. When writing, ensure the subject of "it reads that" is indeed a form of textual medium. Consider alternatives like ""it indicates that"" or ""the text states that"" for semantic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it indicates that

Uses "indicates" instead of "reads", implying a more general form of communication.

the text states that

Replaces "it" with "the text" and uses "states" instead of "reads", focusing on the content of the text.

the passage says that

Employs "passage" instead of "it" and "says" in place of "reads", suitable when referring to a specific portion of text.

according to the document

Introduces the phrase with a reference to the source document, changing the sentence structure.

the report reveals that

Uses "report" instead of "it" and "reveals" instead of "reads", suggesting the disclosure of information.

the inscription declares that

Uses "inscription" and "declares", appropriate when referring to something written on a surface.

the sign conveys that

Replaces "reads" with "conveys", implying the communication of a message.

the label specifies that

Employs "label" and "specifies", suitable for detailing information provided on a product or item.

the contract stipulates that

Uses "contract" and "stipulates", appropriate in a legal context.

the notice advises that

Replaces "reads" with "advises", suggesting the provision of guidance or information.

FAQs

How can I use "it reads that" in a sentence?

Use "it reads that" to introduce information directly quoted or summarized from a written source. For example, "The sign "it reads that" 'No Trespassing'", or "The contract "it reads that" all parties must comply with the terms".

What phrases are similar to "it reads that"?

Alternatives include "it indicates that", "the text states that", or "the passage says that" depending on the context and specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it reads that"?

It's appropriate when the subject is a form of text (e.g. a sign, document, inscription) and you want to convey the specific content or wording of that text. Avoid using it for non-textual subjects or to simply mean 'it says'.

Is "it reads that" formal or informal?

The phrase "it reads that" is generally considered neutral in tone, fitting for both formal and informal contexts, particularly when referencing written information. Its suitability often depends on the overall formality of the writing or speech in which it is used.